Update: West Seattle Bridge rollover crash backs up WB traffic

(thanks to YuriM for sending that photo via Twitter, added 10:20 am)
If you happen to be heading toward West Seattle sometime soon – beware of some trouble on The Bridge – Scott C just called to say there’s an “upside-down car” on the westbound side, between 99 and the top of the high rise. 911 log shows a “motor vehicle accident” call there in the past hour, but it’s now closed, which means fire/medic crews’ work is done. No word on injuries. (Thanks also to those who e-mailed and tweeted – Manuel says via e-mail that the crash was blocking the 2 left lanes westbound and backing cars up as far as 1st Ave So.) ADDED 8:53 AM: Here’s the link to a photo @steveler posted via Twitter. ADDED 9:57 AM: The scene is NOT yet cleared, according to this traffic camera. ADDED 10:10 AM: Just got information from Seattle Police media unit Officer Renee Witt: The car is believed to have flipped after hitting a guard rail “at a high rate of speed.” She says the driver also is suspected of having been under the influence. Both the driver and passenger are at the hospital, but both have only minor injuries. The scene hasn’t been cleared yet because the “under the influence” aspect requires a more extensive investigation. 12:30 PM UPDATE: Via Twitter, we have word from @despeaux that the crash scene is clear.

Arbor Heights Dad July 11, 2009 (9:09 am)

I ran a carload of All City Band kids down to the Stanford Center this morning and saw this. Traffic was backed up far beyond First Ave when we went by at 8:00.

Scott (no, the other Scott) July 11, 2009 (10:57 am)

Just got off the phone with my fiance, who tried the low bridge instead… turns out that route is either closed off (according to signs; not sure if it’s just temporary opening for a ship or something longer term) or clogged to capacity, she’s just sitting through light cycles at Spokane and East Marginal. I’m thinking the 1st Ave S bridge is the way to go this morning.

Taking an AMAZINGLY long time to clear for a 1 car accident, even considering the DUI. I expect fatality accidents to take this long, but not something with only minor injuries.

JanS July 11, 2009 (11:07 am)

a little early to be imbibing, dontcha think?

4thGenWestSeattlite July 11, 2009 (11:08 am)

11:10 and traffic is backed up to I-5. Taking lower bridge isn’t much faster.

Molly July 11, 2009 (11:32 am)

Freeway sign advises you to take alternate routes to W Seattle. I just took E Marginal to the lower bridge and it wasn’t too bad. Took extra time, but nothing what the top bridge would have taken. Hope it’s cleared soon.

Sue July 11, 2009 (6:22 pm)

I saw that around 7:30am when I was headed out of WS, but couldn’t easily get to my phone to call you. Looked as if they were handcuffing someone, but it was hard to tell since I was trying not to slow down as I passed.

miws July 11, 2009 (10:55 pm)

JanS, I was thinking the same thing!

Now, back when I used to go camping, it wasn’t unusual for me to have a beer first thing in the morning. Or, at least a ~~shot of coffee in the mornnig cup of whiskey~~ shot of whiskey in the morning cup of coffee, but that’s different! ;)

Mike

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